North County Opportunities Expo: Trades, Training and Apprenticeships

St. Louis Community College (STLCC) is partnering with several community organizations to sponsor North County Opportunities Expo: Trades, Training and Apprenticeships. The Expo takes place 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13, at the Training Center on the Florissant Valley campus, 3400 Pershall Road in Ferguson.

For information, call the recorded event information line at 314-539-5791.

The Expo will include workshops and helpful information on how to find resources to prepare for employment in the building and skilled trades. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore various training opportunities in union trades, highly technical skilled utility work, and advanced manufacturing. Resources are available on-site to help individuals address career roadblocks.

“The Florissant Valley campus is a hub for teaching, learning and opportunity,” said Ruby Curry, interim president of STLCC-Florissant Valley. “We are excited to partner with these entities to showcase all the vital opportunities that trades, training and apprenticeships can offer.”

There are more than $5 billion in major construction projects already planned in the region over the next 10 years. At the same time, the building and skilled trades face significant retirements over the next five years, and industry experts project a worker shortage for high-paying construction jobs. The Expo presents an ideal opportunity to explore the trades and to learn more about joining the industry.

Leonard Toenjes, president of the 400-member Associated General Contractors (AGC) of St. Louis, said, “As we plan for the years ahead and the potential growth of our region, it is important that contractors reach out into every available resource in our community to find the construction team members they need. The St. Louis construction contracting community cannot build without the talented, hardworking people from every area of our region.”

“The Laborers’ Union prides itself on being the best trained and most diverse union in the St. Louis area,” said Gary Elliott, business manager of the Eastern Missouri Laborers District Council. “We’re proud to be a part of the North County Opportunities Expo, and are excited to showcase our organization and the type of work that we perform to potential new members.”

Community sponsors include 24:1, Ameren, Boeing, Associated General Contractors of St. Louis, Carpenters Joint Apprenticeship Program, Construction Careers Center, Eastern Missouri Laborers’ District Council, Missouri Office of Community Engagement, St. Louis Building and Construction Trades Council, SLATE, St. Louis Community College, and St. Louis County Workforce Development.

Among the community representatives on hand to address career roadblocks are Better Family Life, Father’s Support of St. Louis and North County Forever.

“The Missouri Office of Community Engagement is excited to join with our many partners, both private and public in bringing the Opportunities Expo to the St. Louis Region,” said former Mo. Sen. Maida Coleman, director of the Office of Community Engagement. “We are committed to supporting training and educational programs critical to building a stronger region. Together we are better than ever.”

(Editor’s Note: In the event of inclement weather, the Expo will be held on Thursday, Jan. 15. For STLCC weather closings, call 314-513-4949.)

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